Tracking label

ABSTRACT

An improved tracking label may comprise a destination ZIP field ( 130 ), content identifier number (CIN) description field ( 115 ), and a barcode field ( 150 ). In addition, the improved label comprises at least one of a printer line field ( 105 ), a postal destination name field ( 110 ),a mailer name field ( 120 ), a mailer identification (ID) field ( 125 ), a route field ( 135 ), a barcode numeric line field ( 140 ) and a mailer&#39;s area field ( 145 ).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Under provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), Applicants claim thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/269,971, filed Feb. 21,2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. PCT Patent ApplicationsSerial Nos. ______, ______, ______, filed on even date herewith, each inthe name of Brent A. Rainey, et al. and entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR PROCESSING ITEMS IN AN ITEM DELIVERY SYSTEM”, “SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR PRODUCING AND MANAGING A TRACKING LABEL IN A AN ITEM DELIVERYSYSTEM”, and “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UTILIZING A TRACKING LABEL IN ANITEM DELIVERY SYSTEM,” respectively, and each assigned to the assigneeof the present application, are hereby incorporated by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to systems and methods forprocessing items in an item delivery system, and more particularly, tosystems and methods for providing an improved tracking label for itemspassing through an item delivery system.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independentgovernment agency that provides mail delivery and other services to thepublic. The USPS is widely recognized as a safe and reliable means forsending and receiving mail and other items. With the advent and steadygrowth of electronic mail and electronic commerce, the physical mailstream will increasingly be utilized for sending and receiving packagesand other items. In an effort to lower operating costs and increasevalue for their customer base, many high volume delivery users preparepackages and other items with automated equipment and presort and labelthe items prior to placement of the items into an item delivery system.These customers, along with other senders, wish to track items as theypass through various points in the item delivery system.

[0006] Therefore, the need to efficiently process items in an itemdelivery system has become a common need for many item delivery systemoperators. More specifically, providing an improved tracking label foritems passing through an item delivery system has become a critical needfor many item delivery system operators. This is because in anincreasingly competitive environment, meeting and exceeding theexpectations of senders or others who receive services is essential foritem delivery system operators.

[0007] Conventional systems and methods often do not allow for thetracking of items. Rather, conventional systems merely provide routinginformation. For example, conventional systems provide information thatallows items to be sent from point A to point B and do not track wherethe item came from, who prepared the item, when the item was prepared,or where the item is in the item delivery system.

[0008] With prior art systems and methods, for example, there can behundreds of tracking indicia that are identical for different itemsgoing to the same place. When problems are detected in conventionalsystems, for example, an incorrect label or an incorrect method ofpreparing the item has occurred, there is no way to track exactly when,where, or how the problem was created. Therefore, no means exists toidentify and correct the problem.

[0009] Thus, there remains a need for efficiently processing items in anitem delivery system. In addition, there remains a need for providing animproved tracking label for items passing through an item deliverysystem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Consistent with the present invention, systems and methods forproviding an improved tracking label for items passing through an itemdelivery system are provided that avoid problems associated with priorart tracking labels for items passing through an item delivery system asdiscussed herein above.

[0011] In one aspect, an improved tracking label comprises a destinationZIP field, content identifier number (CIN) description field, a bar codefield, and at least one of a printer line field, a postal destinationname field, a mailer name field, a mailer ID field, a route field, a barcode numeric line field, and a mailer's area field.

[0012] In another aspect, an improved tracking label comprises adestination ZIP field, content identifier number (CIN) descriptionfield, a bar code field, and at least one of a printer line field, apostal destination name field, a last facility field, a route field, abar code numeric line field, a day of delivery field, a tray sequencefield, a dock door field, a transportation code field, and a no linearmeasurement code field.

[0013] In yet another aspect, an improved tracking label comprises adestination ZIP field, content identifier number (CIN) descriptionfield, a bar code field, and at least one of a printer line field, anext operations field, a machine ID name field, a sort plan field, a barcode numeric line field, an in house field, an ISS priority field, anISS time field, and a bin field.

[0014] In yet another aspect, an improved bar code used in conjunctionwith a tracking label, the bar code including data comprises a ZIP code,a content identifier number (CIN), and at least one of a mailer ID, acustomer subgroup ID, a label source, a printer port, a serial number, alabel type, a day of delivery (DOD), a mail processing code (MPC),machine ID, a last facility, a hold out ID, and an ISS time.

[0015] Both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of theinvention and, together with the detailed description, explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary label consistent with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary bar code contentconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary label consistent with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary bar code contentconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary label consistent with anembodiment of the present invention; and

[0022]FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary bar code contentconsistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Reference will now be made to various embodiments according tothis invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawingsand will be obvious from the description of the invention. In thedrawings, the same reference numbers represent the same or similarelements in the different drawings whenever possible.

[0024] Items used in conjunction with embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise a mailpiece, a United States Postal ServicePriority Mail package, or a United States Postal Service Express Mailpackage. Moreover, a plurality of items may pass through portions of anitem delivery system gathered into containers, such as, trays, sacks, ortubs, as are known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0025] Related PCT Patent Applications Serial Nos. ______, ______, and______, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ITEMS IN AN ITEMDELIVERY SYSTEM”, “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND MANAGING ATRACKING LABEL IN A AN ITEM DELIVERY SYSTEM”, and “SYSTEMS AND METHODSFOR UTILIZING A TRACKING LABEL IN AN ITEM DELIVERY SYSTEM” respectively,which have previously been incorporated by reference, describe exemplaryprocesses, servers, systems, devices, and equipment that may be used inconjunction with embodiments of the present invention. Those of ordinaryskill in the art, however, will appreciate that other types ofprocesses, servers, systems, devices, and equipment may be used inconjunction with embodiments of the present invention also.

[0026] A 24-digit Code 128 bar code may be utilized in conjunction withembodiments of the present invention. The bar code may be printed in anarea that runs the full width of a label, for example, (3.3 to 3.5inches) from 0.50 to 1.61 inches from the top of the label (1.110inches). This area may include the bar code and the required clear zonesabove, below, and to the right and left of the bar code. The bar codemay be left justified and may be at least 0.250 inch from the left edgeof the label. The height of the bar code may be 0.75 inch.

[0027] Two quiet zones (clear areas) may be maintained, one to the leftand one to the right of the bar code, each measuring at least 10 timesthe X dimension and extending the full height of the bar code, forexample. Two additional quiet zones may be maintained, one above and onebelow the bar code for its full width, each measuring at least 10 timesthe X dimension, for example. The quiet zones may meet the spacereflectance specification. When measured in the red spectral rangebetween 640 nanometers and 675 nanometers, the minimum white bar (space)reflectance (Rs) may be greater than 50 percent, and the maximum barreflectance (Rb) may be less than 25 percent. The minimum printreflectance difference (Rs−Rb) may be 40 percent. Reflectance may bemeasured with a item delivery system operator specified reflectancemeter or bar code verifier.

[0028] An improved tracking label consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention may contain information relative to label type, mailerID, customer subgroup ID, serial number, machine ID, input sub system(ISS) time, hold out ID, last facility, label source, and printer port.

[0029] An improved tracking label consistent with embodiments of thepresent invention may be used in conjunction with three mail (or otheritems) flows that, when consolidated, may reflect the movement of mailor other items from their origin (the customer for example) to its finaldestination (a delivery address for example). The three mail flows maycomprise, for example; (1) customers, such as business mailers,providing mail to the item deliver system operator in mailer-generatedtrays, (2) item deliver system operator inter-facility tray or otheritem movement, and (3) internal plant level processes that sort the mailor other items (item deliver system operator intra-facility traymovement for example). During each of these flows, numerous trays orother items may be created, as well as emptied, as a unit load. Theimplication of these three flows, for example, may generate three setsof information requirements that may ultimately impact the physicalformat and design of the tracking label consistent with embodiments ofthe present. These formats may be referred to as the mailer label, theinter-facility label, and the intra-facility label formats.

[0030] The mailer label format may not require any unique lower levelmail flow definitions, therefore, it is may be recognized as a labeltype. The mailer label format may reflect mailer-generated trays, forexample, coming from a customer to any postal facility. Theinter-facility label format may reflect information requirements whichdefine four lower levels of unique mail flows, for example,plant-to-plant, delivery unit (DU) to a plant, plant to a DU, and plantto an exchange office or international service center (ISC).Plant-to-plant flows may include flows to/from bulk mail centers (BMCs)and priority mail processing centers (PMPCs), for example.

[0031] The intra-facility label format may define two lower level formattypes. They may include, remote bar coding system (RBCS) flows, inputsub system (ISS) to output sub system (OSS) resolution time, and allother intra-facility flows.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention may include either a mailerID or machine ID that may comprise a 5-digit identifier that uniquelyidentifies either an entity that prepared the particular item or amachine that processed the particular item. It may also include a labelsource that identifies the entity that prints the label or barcode, andmay also identify up to ten different sources producing the label. Theprinter port may identify up to ten individual printers or the specificdevice that produces the label. This data may be used for qualitycontrol purposes.

[0033] A serialization ID may be used with embodiments of the presentinvention that allows for the sequentialization and creation of a uniqueidentifier within the bar code structure. In addition, a label type maybe included comprising a 1-digit label type code that may allow for theidentification of any of the aforementioned operational flows.

[0034]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary mailer label 100 consistent with anembodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of fields. Thesefields may include a printer line 105, a postal destination name 110, acontent identifier number (CIN) description 115, a mailer name 120, amailer ID 125, a destination ZIP 130, a route 135, a bar code numericline 140, a mailer's area 145, and a bar code 150. Mailer label 100 mayhave a dimension of 2.0 inches by 3.5 inches, however, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that many different sizes may be employed.

[0035] Printer line field 105 is a field is for printer specificinformation. Contents of this field may be left justified with a0.25-inch offset and may have a maximum font size of 6-point sans seriftype. The maximum number of characters permitted may be 35. The contentsof this field can begin at the left edge of the label and may extend upto 2.25 inches from the left edge. Printer line field 105 may not fallbelow 0.175 inch from the top edge of the label.

[0036] Destination name field 110 may contain the name of the postallocation associated with destination ZIP field 130 for example. Contentsmay be left justified with a 0.25-inch offset, may be upper case, andmay have a maximum font size of 10-point sans serif type. The maximumnumber of characters may be 21. The contents of this field may begin atthe left edge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from theleft edge. The destination name field 110 may not fall below 0.30 inchfrom the top edge of the label.

[0037] CIN description field 115 may contain the CIN description. CINdescription field 115 may be left justified with a 0.25-inch offset,upper case, and may be no more than 21 characters in length. The maximumfont size may be 12-point sans serif type. The contents of this line maybegin at the left edge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inchesfrom the left edge. CIN description field 115 may not fall below 0.45inch from the top edge of the label.

[0038] Mailer name field 120 may identify the mailing entity thatprepared (built) the item. The font may be no larger than 6-point sansserif type. The contents of this field may begin at the left edge of thelabel, with a 0.25-inch offset and may extend up to 1.75 inches from theleft edge. Mailer name field 120 may not fall below 0.55 inch from thetop edge of the label and may be no more than 25 characters in length.

[0039] Mailer ID field 125 may hold the mailer's ID. The mailer ID maybe derived from a marketing system database, and may consist of thefirst five digits of a customer sub-group code. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that other data or databases may be used to identify amailer or sender. The maximum font for this 5-digit numeric may be6-point sans serif type. This data may be centered in an area thatbegins 1.75 inches from the left edge of the label and continues up to2.25 inches from the left edge. Mailer ID field 125 may not fall below0.55 inch from the top edge of the label.

[0040] Destination ZIP field 130 may contain the 3 or 5-digit ZIP codefor the item's destination for example. The contents may have a fontsize of 20-point sans serif type. The contents of this field may becentered in an area beginning 2.25 inches from the left edge of thelabel and may extending up to the right edge (approximately 1.25inches). Destination ZIP field 130 may not fall below 0.3625 inch fromthe top edge of the label.

[0041] Route field 135 may contain a carrier route, a post office box,or a firm holdout, for example, of the final destination of the item'scontents. The route may be designated, for example, as specified bySection MO14.2 of the US Postal Service's Domestic Mail Manual (DMM),however, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that thereare many ways to designate this field. The contents may have a font sizeof 14-point sans serif type. The contents of this field may be centeredin an area beginning 2.25 inches from the left edge of the label andextending up to the right edge (approximately 1.25 inches). Route field135 may not fall below 0.55 inch from the top edge of the label.

[0042] Bar code numeric line field 140 may contain, for example, a24-digit numeric code representing the bar code, and may be printedbelow a bar code having a maximum character size of 6-point sans seriftype. The 24-digit numeric code, for example, may be centered below thebar code. It may be printed below the bar code's clear zone and may fallno lower than 1.7375 inches from the top edge of the label.

[0043] Mailer's area 145 may be reserved for information generated bymailers or other senders. Bar codes may only be placed in this area, forexample, with pre-approval of the delivery system operator. Fontsalready designated for delivery system operator specified fields may notbe used in this area. The contents of this field may be restricted to anarea between 1.7125 and 1.9875 inches from the top of the label,beginning at the left edge of the label and extending up to 2.25 inchesfrom the left edge.

[0044]FIG. 2 shows an exemplary bar code content 200 that may be used inconjunction with exemplary mailer label 100 consistent with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a single mailflow in process flow section 205, specifically, customer-to-processingplant (mailer) flow. In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates the partitioning ofdata elements in data element section 210 for the specific process flowsshown.

[0045] For mailer label 100, the first five digits of bar code 150 maycontain the destination ZIP code and the next three digits may representthe CIN. The Mailer-to-Plant Label process flow may use the next fivedigits to identify the mailer or sender. This 5-digit field may bederived from, for example, the CBCIS customer sub-account code currentlyassigned by the United States Postal Service. The CBCIS record may alsocontain the customers DUNS number where applicable. Digits 14 and 15 ofdata elements section 210 may contain a customer subgroup ID provided bythe mailer or sender.

[0046] Digit 16 of data element section 210 may identify the type oftray label production system that printed the label and digit 17 mayidentify the printer that may generate the tray label. These two dataelements may not only provide source information for managing the uniqueidentification and serialization of tray labels, but they may alsoprovide information which may be used to identify and isolate equipmentthat is not meeting print quality standards.

[0047] For postal applications, for example, the number of printersattached to a 24-digit on-demand printer system may never exceed tenunits on a single workstation. However, if the number of printersassigned to a production workstation did exceed 10 printers, digit 17may be used to identify the printers by groups of two, three, or more,for example.

[0048] The next six digits (18 through 23) of bar code 150 may bereserved for a serial number of the unit load. The serial number, withother data in the bar code, may create a unique ID for each unit load.Each unique ID (serial number in combination with other data elements)may remain unique for a period of no less than 30 days. The last digit(digit 24) of data element section 210 may contain a label type. The ZIPcode, CIN and label type may provide the information necessary to directthe tray to its destination.

[0049]FIG. 3 shows an exemplary inter-facility label 300 consistent withan embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of fields.These fields may include a printer line 305, a postal destination name310, a CIN description 315, a last facility 320, a destination ZIP 325,a route 330, a bar code numeric line 335, a day of delivery 340, a traysequence 345, a dock door 350, a transportation code 355, a no linearmeasurement code 360, and a bar code 365. Inter-facility label 300 mayhave a dimension of 1.9 inches by 3.3 inches, however, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that many different sizes may be employed.

[0050] Printer line field 305 may comprise a field for printer specificinformation. Contents may be left justified with a 0.25-inch offset andmay have a font size of 6-point sans serif type. The maximum number ofcharacters permitted may be 35. The contents of this field may begin atthe left edge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from theleft edge. Printer line field 305 may not fall below 0.125 inch from thetop edge of the label.

[0051] Postal destination name 310, for example, may contain the name ofthe postal location associated with destination ZIP field 325. Contentsare left justified with a 0.25-inch offset, are upper case, and have arange of 8 to 10-point sans serif font type. The maximum number ofcharacters may be 21. The contents of this field may begin at the leftedge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from the left edge.Postal destination name field 310 may not fall below 0.25 inch from thetop edge of the label.

[0052] CIN description field 315 may contain a content identifier number(CIN) description. CIN description field 315 may be left justified witha 0.25-inch offset, upper case, and no more than 21 characters inlength. The font may range from 10 to 12-point sans serif type. Thecontents of this line begin at the left edge of the label and may extendup to 2.25 inches from the left edge. CIN description field 315 may notfall below 0.40 inch from the top edge of the label.

[0053] Last facility field 320 may identify a postal facility that lastprocessed (built) the item. The font may be 6-point sans serif type. Thecontents of this field may begin at the left edge of the label, with a0.25-inch offset, and may extend up to 2.25 inches from the left edge.Last facility field 320 may not fall below 0.50 inch from the top edgeof the label and may be no more than 25 characters in length.

[0054] Destination ZIP field 325 may contain a 3 or 5-digit ZIP code forthe tray's destination. The contents may have a font size of 20-pointsans serif type. The contents of this field may be centered in an areabeginning 2.25 inches from the left edge of the label and extending upto the right edge (approximately 1 inch). Destination ZIP field 325 maynot fall below 0.3125 inch from the top edge of the label.

[0055] Route field 330 may contain a carrier route, post office box, orfirm holdout of the final destination of the tray's contents. The routemay be designated as specified by Section MO14.2 of the US PostalService's Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), however, those of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that there are many way to designate thisfield. The contents may have a font size of 14-point sans serif type.The contents of this field may be centered in an area beginning 2.25inches from the left edge of the label and extending up to the rightedge (approximately 1 inch). Route field 330 may not fall below 0.50inch from the top edge of the label.

[0056] Bar code numeric line field 335 may contain, for example, a24-digit numeric code represented by the bar code and may be printedbelow the bar code having a 6-point sans serif type. The 24-digitnumeric code may be centered below the bar code. It may be printed belowthe bar code's clear zone and fall no lower than 1.6875 inches from thetop edge of the label.

[0057] Day of delivery field 340 may contain the day of the week theitem contents should be delivered per item delivery system operator'sstandards applicable to the item's contents. Day of delivery field 340may have a font size ranging from 18 to 22-point sans serif type. Thecontents of this field may be centered in an area beginning at the leftedge of the label and extending up to 1 inches from the left edge. Theday of delivery field 340 may fall no lower than 1.9375 inches from thetop edge of the label.

[0058] Tray sequence field 345 may identify the sequence of DPS trayedmail for delivery units. If tray sequence DPS and dock door informationare both available, tray sequence DPS receives priority over dock door.The contents may be upper case and may have a font size ranging between12 and 16-point sans serif type. The format of this field may be “DPS”with a 1-character alpha, plus an optional 3-character representation ofthe tray sequence based on the total number of trays in a wrap. Thecontents of this field may be centered in an area beginning 1 inch fromthe left edge of the label and extending up to 2.25 inches from the leftedge. This field may not fall below 1.9375 inches from the top edge ofthe label.

[0059] Dock door field 350 may identify the assigned dock door forcontainerized tray mail to be dispatched. Since this field may beco-located with tray sequence field 345, it may only be used for non-DPSmail. The contents may be upper case and have a font size rangingbetween 14 and 16-point sans serif type. The format of this field may bea 4 character alphanumeric with the first three characters being thenumber of the dock door followed by an alpha representing the order ofthe departing container by numeric ZIP code order, for example. Thecontents of this field may be centered in an area beginning 1 inch fromthe left edge of the label and extending up to 2.25 inches from the leftedge. This field may not fall below 1.9375 inches from the top edge ofthe label.

[0060] Transportation code field 355 may contain an air stop code usedto designate the transportation code necessary to “flow” the item to itsfinal destination, or may contain a Hub and Spoke (HASP) origin dispatchrouting information. It may only be used in movements of trayed mail,for example, from plant-to-plant. The contents may be upper case andhave a font size ranging between 12 and 16-point sans serif type. Thecontents of this field may be centered in an area beginning 2.25 inchesfrom the left edge of the label and extending up to the right edge(approximately 1 inch). This field may not fall below 1.9375 inches fromthe top edge of the label.

[0061] No linear measurement code field 360 may identify item volumethat may not require linear measurement by a delivery unit. Exact piececounts may be available electronically. This code may only be used inmovements of items from a plant to a delivery unit. The contents may beupper case and have a font size ranging between 12 and 16-point sansserif type. The contents of this field may be centered in an areabeginning 2.25 inches from the left edge of the label and extending upto the right edge (approximately 1 inch). This field may not fall below1.9375 inches from the top edge of the label.

[0062]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary bar code content 400 that may be used inconjunction with exemplary inter-facility label 300 consistent with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates four mail flowsin process flow section 405, specifically, plant to plant, plant to DU,plant to exchange office/ISC, and DU to plant. In addition, FIG. 4illustrates the partitioning of data elements in data element section410 for the specific process flows shown.

[0063] For inter-facility label 300, the first five digits of bar code365 may contain the destination ZIP code. The next three digits (digits6 through 8) represent the CIN and the DOD is represented by digit 9. Asshown in FIG. 4, digit nine is unused in the DU-to-plant flow, and theempty data field may be zero-filled in the data stream. In all mail flowlabel types, empty data fields may be zero-filled. Digit 10 contains theMPC. Digit 10 (the MPC) may operate as a switch to enable or disabletray dispatch (beyond the plant's physical boundaries), and also mayoperate as a mechanism to signal the need for a first handling pieces(FHP) weight transaction.

[0064] The next five digits (digits 11 through 15) contain dataregarding the specific piece of MPE that generated the tray. This5-digit machine ID is used to identify the tray origin. The DU-to-plantprocess flow is the exception, and the 5-digit ZIP of the facility isused as the tray's origin in digits 11 through 15.

[0065] As shown by FIG. 4, digit 16 may identify the type of tray labelproduction system that printed the label, and digit 17 may identify theprinter that may generate the tray label. These last two data elements(of digits 16 and 17) may not only provide source information formanaging the unique identification and serialization of tray labels, butthey also may provide information that may be used to identify andisolate equipment that may not be meeting print quality standards. Forpostal applications, for example, the number of printers attached to a24-digit on-demand printer system may never exceed ten units on a singleworkstation. However, if the number of printers assigned to a productionworkstation exceeds 10 printers, digit 17 may be used to identify theprinters by groups of two, three, or more, for example.

[0066] The next six digits (digits 18 through 23) may be reserved for aserial number of the unit load. The exception is the Plant-to-DU flowwhere digit 18 may designate additional information regarding the finaldestination of the tray (Hold Out ID), and digits 19 through 23 may bereserved for the serial number of the unit load. The serial number,combined with other data in the bar code, may create a unique ID foreach unit load. Each unique ID (serial number in combination with otherdata in the bar code) may remain unique for a period of no less thanthirty days. The Plant-to-DU flow unique ID may remain unique for aperiod of no less than 7 days. The last digit of all four flows maycontain the label type. The ZIP code, CIN, and label type, along withthe mail processing code, may provide the information necessary todirect the tray to its destination.

[0067]FIG. 5 shows an exemplary intra-facility label 500 consistent withan embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of fields.These fields may include a printer line 505, a next operations 510, aCIN description 515, a machine ID name 520, a destination ZIP 525, asort plan 530, a bar code numeric line 535, an in house 540, an ISSpriority 545, an ISS time 550, a bin 555, and a bar code 560.Intra-facility label 500 may have a dimension of 1.9 inches by 3.3inches, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that manydifferent sizes may be employed.

[0068] Printer line field 505 may comprise printer specific information.Contents may be left justified with a 0.25-inch offset and may be a fontsize of 6-point sans serif type. The maximum number of characterspermitted may be 35. The contents of this field may begin at the leftedge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from the left edge.Printer line field 505 may not fall below 0.125 inch from the top edgeof the label.

[0069] Next operations field 510 may identify the degree of itemprocessing sortation for a unit load, for example, a tray. Contents maybe left justified with a 0.25-inch offset, are upper case, and may havea font size ranging between 6 and 8-point sans serif type. The maximumnumber of characters may be 25. The contents of this field may begin atthe left edge of the label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from theleft edge. Next operations field 510 may not fall below 0.25 inch fromthe top edge of the label.

[0070] CIN description field 515 may contain the content identifiernumber (CIN) description. CIN description field 515 may be leftjustified with a 0.25-inch offset, upper case, and no more than 21characters in length. The font size may range between 10 and 12-pointsans serif type. The contents of this line may begin at the left edge ofthe label and may extend up to 2.25 inches from the left edge. CINdescription field 515 may not fall below 0.40 inch from the top edge ofthe label.

[0071] Machine ID name field 520 may identify the name of the mailprocessing equipment that last processed (built) the item. The font maybe 6-point sans serif type. The contents of this field may begin at theleft edge of the label, with a 0.25-inch offset, and may extend up to2.25 inches from the left edge. Machine ID name field 520 may not fallbelow 0.50 inch from the top edge of the label and not be longer than 25characters in length.

[0072] Destination ZIP field 525 may contain a 3 or 5-digit ZIP code fora processing facility. The contents of this field may have a font sizeof 20-point sans serif type. The contents of this field may be centeredin an area beginning 2.25 inches from the left edge of the label andextending up to the right edge (approximately 1 inch). Destination ZIPfield 525 may not fall below 0.31 25 inch from the top edge of thelabel.

[0073] Sort plan field 530 may identify the next sort required toprocess the item. The contents of this field may be upper case and mayhave a font size of 14-point sans serif type. The contents of this fieldmay be centered in an area beginning 2.25 inches from the left edge ofthe label and extending up to the right edge (approximately 1 inch).Sort plan field 530 may not fall below 0.50 inch from the top edge ofthe label.

[0074] Bar code numeric line field 535 may comprise a 24-digit numericcode, for example, represented by the bar code and may be printed belowthe bar code having a font size of 6-point sans serif type. Bar codenumeric line field 535 may be centered below the bar code. It may beprinted below the bar code's clear zone and may fall no lower than1.6875 inches from the top edge of the label.

[0075] In house field 540 may contain the phrase “IN HOUSE”, forexample, and may be printed in a font size ranging between 18 to22-point sans serif type. The contents of this field may be centered inan area beginning at the left edge of the label and extending up to 1.75inches from the left edge. In house field 540 may not fall below 1.9375inches from the top edge of the label.

[0076] ISS priority field 545 may identify the priority in processingselected items returning from an ISS. An upper case “H”, printed in afont size ranging between 18 to of 22-point sans serif type, maydesignate high priority, and for low priority, the field may remainblank (empty). The contents of this field may be centered in an areabeginning 1.75 inches from the left edge of the label and extending upto 2.25 inches from the left edge. This field may not fall below 1.9375inches from the top edge of the label.

[0077] ISS time field 550 may identify the time when the last letter isplaced in a tray coming from an ISS. The contents of this field may beprinted in a font size ranging between 18 to 22-point sans serif typeand be centered in an area beginning 2.25 inches from the left edge ofthe label and extending up to the right edge (approximately 1 inch).This field may not fall below 1.9375 inches from the top edge of thelabel

[0078] Bin field 555 may contain the numeric designation of a separationon the sweepside of an item sorting machine or similar mechanized orautomated mail distribution equipment. If ISS time and bin informationare both available, ISS time receives priority over bin. The contents ofthis field may be printed in a font size ranging between 18 to 22-pointsans serif type and be centered in an area beginning 2.25 inches fromthe left edge of the label and extending up to the right edge(approximately 1 inch). This field may not fall below 1.9375 inches fromthe top edge of the label. Bin field 555 may also be printed in aprinter line of intra-facility labels.

[0079]FIG. 6 shows an exemplary bar code content 600 that may be used inconjunction with exemplary intra-facility label 500 consistent with anembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates a two mail flowsin process flow section 605, specifically, operation-to-operation, andISS to OSS. In addition, FIG. 6 illustrates the partitioning of dataelements in data element section 610 for the specific process flowsshown.

[0080] For intra-facility label 500, the first five digits of bar code560 may contain the destination ZIP code. The next three digits (digits6 through 8) represent the CIN. Digit 9 may be DOD in the ISS-to-OSSflow, and may be unused in the operation-to-operation flow populatedwith a zero. The MPC, which may comprise digit 10, may operate as aswitch to enable or disable tray dispatch (beyond the plant's physicalboundaries) and also may operate as a mechanism to signal the need for aFHP weight transaction. Digits 11 through 15 may contain a five-digitmachine ID of the piece of mail processing equipment that built thetray.

[0081] Digit 16 may identify the type of tray label production systemthat printed the label, and digit 17 may identify the printer that maygenerate the tray label. The elements of digits 16 and 17 not only mayprovide source information for managing the unique identification andserialization of tray labels, but they may also provide information thatmay be used to identify and isolate equipment that is not meeting printquality standards. For postal applications, for example, the number ofprinters attached to a 24-digit on-demand printer system may neverexceed ten units on a single workstation. However, if the number ofprinters assigned to a productionworkstation did exceed 10 printers, theseventeenth digit may be used to identify the printers by groups of two,three, or more, for example.

[0082] Digits 18 through 23 may encode the serial number. For bothprocess flows for FIG. 6, the digits of bar code 560 reserved for theunit load serial number, in combination with other data in the bar code,may create a unique ID for each unit load. Each unique ID (Serial Numberin combination with other data in the bar code) may remain unique for aperiod of no less than 7 days. The last digit in both process flows forFIG. 6 may contain the label type. The ZIP code, CIN, and label type,along with the mail processing code (MPC), may provide the informationnecessary to direct the tray to its destination. In the RBCS ISS-to-OSSflow plants with RBCS capability at the MPE level, the first four digitsof the serial number may consist of the ISS time, and the last twodigits may reflect the time sequence.

[0083] It will be appreciated that a system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention can be constructed in whole or in part fromspecial purpose hardware or a general purpose computer system, or anycombination thereof. Any portion of such a system may be controlled by asuitable program. Any program may in whole or in part comprise part ofor be stored on the system in a conventional manner, or it may in wholeor in part be provided in to the system over a network or othermechanism for transferring information in a conventional manner. Inaddition, it will be appreciated that the system may be operated and/orotherwise controlled by means of information provided by an operatorusing operator input elements (not shown) which may be connecteddirectly to the system or which may transfer the information to thesystem over a network or other mechanism for transferring information ina conventional manner.

[0084] The foregoing description has been limited to a specificembodiment of this invention. It will be apparent, however, that variousvariations and modifications may be made to the invention, with theattainment of some or all of the advantages of the invention. It is theobject of the appended claims to cover these and such other variationsand modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of theinvention.

[0085] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved tracking label comprising: adestination ZIP field; content identifier number (CIN) descriptionfield; a bar code field; and at least one of a printer line field, apostal destination name field, a mailer name field, a mailer ID field, aroute field, a bar code numeric line field, and a mailer's area field.2. The label of claim 1, comprising means for associating the label withthe delivery of an item in an item delivery system.
 3. The label ofclaim 2, wherein the item comprises at least one of a mail tray, a mailsack, mail tub, a mailpiece, a United States Postal Service PriorityMail package, and a United States Postal Service Express Mail package.4. An improved tracking label comprising: a destination ZIP field;content identifier number (CIN) description field; a bar code field; andat least one of a printer line field, a postal destination name field, alast facility field, a route field, a bar code numeric line field, a dayof delivery field, a tray sequence field, a dock door field, atransportation code field, and a no linear measurement code field. 5.The label of claim 4, comprising means for associating the label withthe delivery of an item in an item delivery system.
 6. The label ofclaim 5, wherein the item comprises at least one of a mail tray, a mailsack, mail tub, a mailpiece, a United States Postal Service PriorityMail package, and a United States Postal Service Express Mail package.7. An improved tracking label comprising: a destination ZIP field;content identifier number (CIN) description field; a bar code field; andat least one of a printer line field, a next operations field, a machineID name field, a sort plan field, a bar code numeric line field, an inhouse field, an ISS priority field, an ISS time field, and a bin field.8. The label of claim 7, comprising means for associating the label withthe delivery of an item in an item delivery system.
 9. The label ofclaim 8, wherein the item comprises at least one of a mail tray, a mailsack, mail tub, a mailpiece, a United States Postal Service PriorityMail package, and a United States Postal Service Express Mail package.10. An improved bar code used in conjunction with a tracking label, thebar code including data comprising: a ZIP code; a content identifiernumber (CIN); and at least one of a mailer ID, a customer subgroup ID, alabel source, a printer port, a serial number, a label type, a day ofdelivery (DOD), a mail processing code (MPC), machine ID, a lastfacility, a hold out ID, and an ISS time.
 11. The bar code of claim 10,comprising means for associating the bar code with the delivery of anitem in an item delivery system.
 12. The bar code of claim 11, whereinthe item comprises at least one of a mail tray, a mail sack, mail tub, amailpiece, a United States Postal Service Priority Mail package, and aUnited States Postal Service Express Mail package.
 13. An improvedmethod for providing a bar code used in conjunction with a trackinglabel, the method comprising: providing ZIP code data for the bar code;providing a content identifier number (CIN) data for the bar code; andproviding data for the bar code comprising at least one of a mailer ID,a customer subgroup ID, a label source, a printer port, a serial number,a label type, a day of delivery (DOD), a mail processing code (MPC),machine ID, a last facility, a hold out ID, and an ISS time.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, comprising associating the bar code with thedelivery of an item in an item delivery system.
 15. The method of claim14, utilizing as the item at least one of a mail tray, a mail sack, mailtub, a mailpiece, a United States Postal Service Priority Mail package,and a United States Postal Service Express Mail package.